Undergraduate & Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities
Gain valuable clinical experience and professional development through assistant roles that support therapeutic services and provide hands-on exposure to evidence-based practices in child and adolescent mental health.
Are you an undergraduate student interested in gaining hands-on experience working with children and families in a clinical psychology setting?
Clinical Assistant Program at Boston Child Study Center
Clinical assistants at BCSC support various clinical teams with a focus on the Early Childhood/Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) clinic and work closely with a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, postdoctoral fellows, clinical externs, and trainees under the direction of Dr. Joshua Masse, a PCIT International Global Trainer.
Clinical assistants gain exposure to clinical work by:
-
- Attending clinical team rounds
- Observing PCIT and other therapy sessions
- Opportunities to attend PCIT trainings
- Learning therapeutic play techniques
- Becoming familiar with behavioral coding systems
- Opportunities to serve as a bravery coach at “Get Heard!” selective mutism group therapy events, held on 3 Saturdays over the course of the academic year
Additional opportunities may include assisting with group therapy, observing neuropsychological testing, and participating in journal clubs or educational seminars.
Responsibilities:
Clinical assistant support clinical operations at BCSC through:
- Preparing therapy session materials
- Administrative tasks and data entry
- Supporting child care during sessions
- Assisting clinicians with session logistics
- Participating in exposure sessions with clients
- Assisting with preparation and curriculum planning for “Get Heard!” selective mutism group therapy events
Time Commitment:
Clinical assistants typically volunteer 10–12 hours per week and are required to attend the weekly PCIT clinic on Tuesdays from 12:00pm-1:00pm.
Positions are available during both the academic year (September–May) and summer (June–August).
Current Opportunities
2026–2027 Clinical Assistant Positions
Applications for 2026–2027 Academic Year Clinical Assistant positions are currently closed. Applications for Summer 2027 Clinical Assistant positions will open this winter.
Why Become a Clinical Assistant at BCSC?
- Develop practical clinical skills relevant to careers in psychology, mental health, education, and medicine.
- Gain hands-on exposure to evidence-based treatments for children and families, including opportunities to observe clinical sessions and learn behavioral intervention strategies.
- Strengthen your graduate school applications by building meaningful clinical and research-related experience.
- Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced trainees while learning how a child mental health clinic operates.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do Clinical Assistants interact with the PCIT Clinic?
Clinical assistants are responsible for data entry, administrative tasks, preparing therapy session materials, and childcare. Clinical assistants also attend weekly PCIT clinical team rounds, observe PCIT sessions, learn and utilize therapeutic play techniques, and become familiar with behavioral coding systems.
Can Clinical Assistants also work with BCSC outside of the PCIT Clinic?
Yes, clinical assistants have the opportunity to assist with group therapy sessions, act as a confederate for exposures, assist with research initiatives, and work on a variety of projects to enhance BCSC’s clinical materials.
How many hours per week should I have available to be considered for a Clinical Assistant position?
Applicants should have availability on Tuesdays between 10pm-4pm and availability on at least one other weekday afternoon, for a total of 10-12 hours per week.
What do I need to submit to apply?
Please send a resume/CV and brief cover letter detailing your interests and relevant experiences to Nick Morelli at nmorelli@
Check Out Our Blog
How Summer Camp Supports Emotional Growth in Kids
Summer camp is often thought of as a place for fun, adventure, and making memories. Beyond the games, crafts, and campfires, summer camp also provides a unique environment that supports social, emotional, and psychological development in ways that are hard to replicate in other settings. Research suggests that structured summer
Why Emotions Feel So Intense
By Alaina Baker, PsyD Have you ever had an emotional reaction that felt bigger, faster, or more overwhelming than the situation seemed to warrant? Many people describe moments where their heart is racing, their thoughts are spiraling, and they feel flooded by emotion, sometimes before they’ve even had a chance
The Power of Validation: A Core Skill for Emotion Regulation
Validation is one of the most important skills in supporting emotional regulation, yet it is often misunderstood. Many people assume validation means agreeing, excusing behavior, or “making things better.” In reality, validation is the process of communicating that someone’s internal experience makes sense within their context. It is not about